McLaren Vale Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale
Enjoy watersports, visit historical buildings, explore a shipwreck and go on wine-tasting tours in one of South Australia's oldest wine regions.

For nearly 200 years, the landscape and soils of McLaren Vale have been producing wines, among them shiraz, tempranillo and cabernet. With more than 100 vineyards, there is no shortage of places to stop and sample local varieties. But the region also has a lot more going on beyond its wine production. Hike through the picturesque countryside, visit historic towns and relax on a beach.

Find superb wines across the region by going on organized or self-guided wine tours. One way to reach some of the wineries is to walk or cycle the 5-mile (8-kilometer) Shiraz Trail. The route follows an old railway line through the scenic surroundings, passing wineries and olive groves.

Combine your wine tastings with exploration of other McLaren Vale attractions. Experience even more of the beautiful scenery by walking or cycling along the many dedicated paths. Go bushwalking in the Onkaparinga River National Park and kayak on the Onkaparinga River, the second longest in the state.

Sample cheeses, chutneys and other local produce at the Willunga Farmers Market, held every Saturday morning in Willunga's town square. Among the town’s other sites of interest are the 19th-century old courthouse and police station and the old post office and telegraph station. Visit additional old buildings in the historic towns of Clarendon and Old Reynella.

Spend some time in the town of McLaren Vale, browsing boutiques and art galleries and dining in its restaurants.

Relax on one of the beaches along the region's extensive coastline. Dive the wreck of the Star of Greece at Aldinga Beach, surf and swim at Moana Beach and snorkel and scuba dive the reef at Port Noarlunga.

The easiest way to get around to McLaren Vale's wineries, beaches and historic towns is in a rental car. Get to the region in about 45 minutes by car from Adelaide, a journey of about 25 miles (40 kilometers). There are also bus services between the city and some of the region’s towns.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best McLaren Vale Hotel Deals

Serafino McLaren Vale
Serafino McLaren Vale
4 out of 5
39 Kangarilla Road, McLaren Vale, SA
The price is AU$160 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
AU$160
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
Stay at this 4-star motel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (604 reviews)
"Beautiful place!"

Reviewed on 19 Nov. 2024

Serafino McLaren Vale
ibis Adelaide
ibis Adelaide
4 out of 5
122 Grenfell Street, Adelaide, SA
The price is AU$152 per night from 16 Dec to 17 Dec
AU$152
includes taxes & fees
16 Dec - 17 Dec
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Very convenient for the Adelaide 500 walkable and cafes close by"

Reviewed on 19 Nov. 2024

ibis Adelaide
Mayfair Hotel
Mayfair Hotel
5 out of 5
45 King William Street, Adelaide, SA
The price is AU$220 per night from 12 Dec to 13 Dec
AU$220
includes taxes & fees
12 Dec - 13 Dec
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
"Excellent hotel . The restaurant Mayflower is wonderful and I had the best beef wellington in my life . The Hennessey bar superb ."

Reviewed on 16 Nov. 2024

Mayfair Hotel
Atura Adelaide Airport
Atura Adelaide Airport
3.5 out of 5
1 Atura Circuit, Adelaide Airport, SA
The price is AU$214 per night from 21 Dec to 22 Dec
AU$214
includes taxes & fees
21 Dec - 22 Dec
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Perfect location, straight off the plane, into a warm shower. Dining offers all you need in food."

Reviewed on 17 Nov. 2024

Atura Adelaide Airport
Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide
Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide
4.5 out of 5
65 Hindley Street, Adelaide, SA
The price is AU$143 per night from 19 Dec to 20 Dec
AU$143
includes taxes & fees
19 Dec - 20 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Hotel was clean and comfortable with friendly staff. Central to everything although on a very dodgy street with a massage parlour next door."

Reviewed on 18 Nov. 2024

Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide
Stamford Plaza Adelaide
Stamford Plaza Adelaide
5 out of 5
150 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
The price is AU$179 per night from 3 Dec to 4 Dec
AU$179
includes taxes & fees
3 Dec - 4 Dec
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Friendly and helpful staff. Close to work commitments"

Reviewed on 17 Nov. 2024

Stamford Plaza Adelaide
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around McLaren Vale

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Aldinga

While Aldinga may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Port Willunga Beach and Aldinga Airfield.

Aldinga
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Port Willunga

Port Willunga might not have many top sights, but Port Willunga Beach and Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Port Willunga
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Port Noarlunga

While visiting Port Noarlunga, you might make a stop by sights like Port Noarlunga Jetty and Port Noarlunga Beach.

Port Noarlunga
Aldinga Beach

Aldinga Beach

Travellers like the beaches in Aldinga Beach, and Aldinga Beach is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Aldinga Beach
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Christies Beach

The beaches and restaurants are just a few features travellers like about Christies Beach. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Port Noarlunga Jetty and Port Noarlunga Beach are a few top places to visit.

Christies Beach
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Brighton

Unique features of Brighton include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Brighton Beach or Brighton Jetty while you're exploring the area.

Brighton


McLaren Vale Travel Guide

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